I did some poking. What i found:
Major Factors Contributing to Toyota’s Reliability Decline 1. Redesigns and Introduction of New Powertrains: Toyota has undertaken significant redesigns across its vehicle lineup, replacing long-standing V8 engines with smaller displacement turbocharged and hybrid engines. While these changes aim to improve efficiency and meet emissions standards, they have introduced new complexities and potential issues that can affect reliability. 2. Specific Model Issues: • Toyota Tundra: The 2022–2023 Tundra models have experienced engine problems due to debris left in the engine during manufacturing, leading to a significant number of engine replacements. • Toyota Tacoma: The 2024 Tacoma has reported transmission issues, including problems with shifting and potential steering and suspension concerns. • Toyota bZ4X: As Toyota’s venture into electric vehicles, the bZ4X has faced challenges common to new EVs, such as software glitches and build quality issues, impacting its reliability ratings.   3. Recalls and Safety Concerns: • Brake Performance Issues: Toyota recalled over 380,000 Tacoma trucks from model years 2022 and 2023 due to welding debris on the rear axle assembly, which could lead to axle shaft separation and increased crash risk. • Reverse Light Failures: A recall affecting over 443,000 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid models from 2022–2025 was issued due to moisture intrusion causing electrical issues in the rear light assembly, leading to sudden failure of reverse lights.   4. Introduction of New Technologies: The integration of advanced infotainment systems, driver-assistance features, and other electronic technologies has added complexity to vehicles. These systems can introduce new failure points, especially in the early stages of implementation, affecting overall reliability.
While Toyota continues to be recognized for producing reliable vehicles, these factors have contributed to a relative decline in their reliability rankings. It’s important to note that such challenges are not uncommon when manufacturers introduce significant changes to their vehicle lineups.
Like I said the new Tundra and Taco. are horrible. No worse, than the competitors, but garbage compared to what the world is used to for Toyota. This is largely contributed to the new engines, but not completely, the Taco has Transmission issues, and some body isues, the Tundra has lots of non power train issues, in addition to the power train.
You noted 3 vehicles. Outside the Taco, these aren't major sellers for Toyota. The Tundra for instance, only a North American market vehicle. The taco we get, isnt the same as the rest of the worlds. The rest of the world gets an amazing diesel option that we are not allowed since Toyota doesnt want to do the US emissions for the thing.
On to stupidroo. The company essentially makes one car, and it looks a bit different with the exact version of the car you choose. The parts share across all models is extravagant. Stupidroo 1M cars a year. Toyota 10M cars a year.
A simple 10X sales volume. One would expect to hear a significant more complaints from Toyota owners than Stupidroo owners. But instead the inverse is largely true.
The article was a marketing gimmick.
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